Owners of properties which flooded in February 2020 may still be eligible for grant help towards the cost of flood resilience work.
Worcester City Council has been able to extend the deadline for claiming reimbursement of previously agreed work to June 30, 2022.
Properties and businesses can apply for up to £5,000 to help make their buildings more resilient to future flooding, meaning less damage and thus enabling homeowners and businesses to return to their properties more quickly.
Flood resilience measures in such properties could include replacing traditional gypsum wall plaster with a more water-resistant material such as lime plaster; tiling floors to make for easier clean-up operations, and raising the height of kitchen fittings.
The grant is provided by DEFRA, the Government Department for the Environment, Farming and Rural Affairs. The council will pay the grants and reclaim the cost from DEFRA.
Kevin Moore, Head of Property Services at Worcester City Council, said: "Whilst it is obviously not always possible to keep flood water out of some properties, there are measures that can be taken to minimise damage, meaning that affected buildings can be restored and repaired more quickly. I would urge anyone who was affected by the 2020 floods to check whether they are eligible for this grant aid."
The grant is only available to people where the habitable living or business areas of their properties have been damaged by entry of floodwater, necessitating drying out and/or repairs to the fabric of the building. Garages, outhouses and storage areas are not eligible for the scheme. Second homes are not eligible and neither are empty homes.
To find out more, go to www.worcester.gov.uk/flooding
- Although no Government cash aid has been made available for those affected by the February 2022 floods, householders are reminded that they may be eligible for a reduction in council tax if they had to vacate their property. For more information contact South Worcestershire Revenues and Benefits on 03004 560560.
- Worcestershire County Council has announced an emergency package of financial support to help communities to recover from flooding. This will provide one-off payments of £250 to households or £1,000 to businesses affected by flooding. Further details are available on their website.
